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Bridget Jones is back, and this time, she’s navigating life as a single mom in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. If it’s been a while since you last saw her chaotic yet lovable adventures, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Before diving into the 2025 movie, here’s a quick refresher on everything you need to remember about Bridget’s story so far.

Bridget Jones 101

Bridget Jones (played by Renée Zellweger) first won hearts in Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), where she was a 30-something Londoner balancing work, friendships, and her romantic misadventures. She had a major crush on her boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), but also found herself drawn to the serious but sweet Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). By the end, after plenty of awkward moments, diary entries, and misunderstandings, she realized Mark was the right guy for her.

In Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), Bridget and Mark tried to make their relationship work, but her insecurities (and an unfortunate trip to a Thai prison) caused a rough patch. Still, love won in the end.

Then came Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016), where things took a surprising turn. Bridget, now in her 40s and single again, found herself unexpectedly pregnant – without knowing if the father was Mark or a charming American named Jack Qwant (Patrick Dempsey). The baby turned out to be Mark’s, and the film ended with them getting married.

What to Expect in Mad About the Boy

Fast-forward to Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, based on Helen Fielding’s book. This time, things are very different. Mark Darcy has tragically passed away, leaving Bridget a widow raising their two kids. She’s back in the dating world, trying to figure out love and life in her 50s. Expect plenty of hilarious and heartwarming moments as she juggles work, motherhood, and romance while still being the Bridget we know and love.

Colin Firth won’t be back, but Hugh Grant is returning as Daniel Cleaver, which could mean some old sparks reigniting. With a new love interest played by Leo Woodall (One Day, The White Lotus), Bridget’s journey is far from over.

Should You Watch the Old Movies First?

If you’ve never seen a Bridget Jones movie before, you can probably still enjoy Mad About the Boy on its own. But if you want to fully appreciate her history – especially the Mark Darcy romance that shaped her life – watching at least the first and third films (Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridget Jones’s Baby) will help.